Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe

Review by Kate Agathon

One of my long-time favorite hiking shoes got an upgrade.

New for 2025, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe replaces its iconic Salomon X Ultra 4. It is the same, but different.

Let’s dive into the newest iteration.

The all-new low Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe has upgraded its durability and is more robust.

Key changes include: inclusion of Matryx® synthetic woven upper for improved durability and enhanced breathability, deeper lugs with multidirectional tread for better traction, padded tongue, and a repositioned chassis.

I recently wore them hiking in the desert highland of Colorado National Monument during Spring Break.

Surrounded by steep canyon walls and raised plateaus, I tested them on dirt, rock, and uneven steep terrain.

Look and Fit

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe has maintained its signature hybrid look of a trail running shoe and a hiking boot.

For me, the most noticeable exterior change is the absence of multiple lateral support wings. In its place is the new abrasion-resistant Matryx® material.

Designed for durability, the high-performance, uber protective Matryx® material is constructed from individually coated polyamide and Kevlar® (yes, Kevlar®) yarns.

Can fabric be both durable and breathable? Yes. Somehow, the tightly woven Matryx® fabric is breathable and my feet didn’t feel sweaty or hot, despite the desert heat.

Salomon is one of the few companies that offers shoes in my size (size 5).

Although the shoe is true to fit, I did find the toe box to be a bit wide.

Finally, the hiking shoes are comfortable. Specifically, the tongue and cuff on the Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe seem to be thicker and provide more cushioning than its predecessor. In addition, the molded OrthoLite® sockliner mimicked the contours of my feet.

Quicklace System

Like its predecessor, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe features a quicklace system with patented lace pocket in which to safely stow the ends.

My introduction to the Salomon X Ultra 4 was shortly after its 2001 release. I sought it out specifically because of its minimalistic quicklace system (I am the person whose shoe laces invariably come untied)- just pull and go!

Compared to other speed lace systems, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe’s laces are a bit on the thin side. Can laces so narrow hold up to the demands of hiking over different terrain? I was initially skeptical. But after I wore them, my skepticism disappeared.

The quicklaces cinched nicely and provided adequate comfort. The tension was adequate in that it didn’t cut into my feet, as some others in the past have done.

Grip

Salomon’s Contagrip® outsole technology offers multi-directional tread- a great feature for hiking over diverse terrain.

Hikers know that sometimes you need to contort your body to scramble over features or around obstacles. This is when I really like that multi-directional tread!

The performance of the new-and-improved larger and deeper lugs was noticeable; especially on slick rock.

The lateral support of the updated chassis kept me stable and the EVA midsole provided additional comfort and support. Acting as an anchor, the heel brakes provided me with extra confidence on difficult terrain.

Sturdy like a hiking boot and agile like a trail runner (there’s that hybrid heritage again), the protective shoes did well absorbing shock. Thanks to its synthetic construction, no break in period was needed.

Other Features

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe is made of recycled materials and features a PFC-free Gore-Tex membrane to keep feet dry in wet conditions.

The reinforced bumper protection rubber toe cap is scuff-resistant and further demonstrates that the Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe is prepared for a variety of conditions and terrains.

Another feature, the finger loop, is a simple, but nice touch. I certainly appreciated using it after removing my shoes after a long day on my feet.

However, I still find the lace pocket problematic as my quicklace ends sometimes don’t stay in place. I also liked the way the older version looked- but these are both issues unique to me.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I am quite pleased with the all-new Salmon X Ultra 5. They performed well in high desert canyon terrain and kept my feet comfortable.

Once the trails dry out, I am looking forward to using them in daily hikes on mixed terrain in the surrounding mountains this summer.

The Solomon X Ultra 5 is available in three colors and 13 sizes.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing.

Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her fiancé, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.